86 MAMMALIA. 



quently hidden by the gum; they are sometimes altogether wanting 

 in the lower jaw of the last subgenus. 



Their regimen is chiefly frugivorous. The thumb is very large 

 in all of them, and so widely separated from the toes that it seems 

 to slant backwards almost like that of the Birds. It has no nail, and 

 the two following toes are united by the skin as far as the last pha- 

 lanx. It is from this circumstance that these animals have received 

 the name of Phalangers. 



Phalangista. 



Phaiangista, Cuv. — Balantia, Illlg.{l) 



The true Phalangers have not the skin of the flank extended; four back 

 molars in each jaw, with four points in two rows; in front a large one, co- 

 nical and compressed, and between it and the superior canine two small and 

 pointed ones, to which correspond the three very small lower ones, of 

 which we have just spoken. Their tail is always prehensile. 



The tail in some of them is in a great measure scaly. They live on trees 

 in the Moluccas, where they feed on Insects and fruit. At the sight of a 

 Man they suspend themselves by their tail; and if he gaze at them steadily 

 for some time, they fall through lassitude. They diffuse a very unpleasant 

 odour, notwithstanding which their flesh is eaten. 



There are several of them known, of various sizes and colours, all of 

 which are embraced under the Didelphis orientalis of Linnseus. 



Ph. ursina, T. (The Ursine Phalanger.) Nearly the size of the Civet, 

 fur close, and of a blackish brown; the young ones a fawn-coloured brown. 

 From the woods of the island of Macassar. 



In others, which have hitherto been found in New Holland only, the tail 

 is hairy to the tip. 



Ph. vulpina. (The Fox-like Phalanger.) Size of a stout Cat; greyish- 

 brown, paler beneath; tail nearly all black. 



PETAtmtrs, Shaw. — Phamngista, Illig. 



The Plying Phalangers have the skin of the flanks more or less extended 

 between the legs, like the Flying Squirrels among the Rodentia, which 

 enables them to sustain themselves momentarily in the ail', and make greater 

 leaps. They also are only found in New Holland. 



Some of the species have inferior canini, but they are very small. Their 

 superior canini and theii- three first molars, above and below, are very 

 pointed; each of their back molars has four points. 



Ph. pygmsea. (The Flying Dwarf Phalanger.) Of the colour and 

 nearly the size of a Mouse; the hairs of the tail regularly arranged on its 

 two sides like the web of a quill. 



(1) Balantia, from ^ctxavriov purse or pouch. 



